Best Horror Movies of 2013

All the movies on this list had a somewhat wide release in 2013 (theatre, VOD, DTV…). I’m using IMDb for validation when in doubt (especially for non-english movies).

2013 was a great year for Horror Movies Fans and many movies could have been on this list. I have decided to do a TOP 10, but watch out for the Horror Movies Awards at the end of the month.

10 – American Mary

The Soska sisters stepped up their game with this excellent Rape Revenge Flick. With a kickass performance from Khatarine Isabelle, some inspired torture scenes and great cinematography, American Mary is one of the best Indie Horror of 2013.

9 – Maniac

A very interesting remake of the original Maniac with an impressive work from lead actor Elijah Wood. Maniac left me cold at first but the movie has since slowly grown on me.

8 – The ABC’s of Death

The first horror anthology of the year was also the most ambitious with no less than 26 segments each with a different director, each around a different letter of the alphabet. While some of them are weak of just plain weird/gross (mostly the japanese ones) there are a few gems, in particular Timo Tjahjanto (Macabre, V/H/S 2) “L for Libido” and Marcel Sarmiento’s (DeadGirl) “D for Dogfight”, easily two of the best horror shorts ever made. If not for V/H/S 2, this would have been the best horror anthology of the year.

7 – The Seasoning House

One of the toughest movie to watch this year, The Seasoning House is a relentless movie that shows the true horrors of this world. Highly recommended for revenge movies fans.

5 – The Conjuring

This is by far the highest grossing movie of the list in the US. A frightening story by none other than James Wan (Saw, Insidious) who seems to become better with each movie. Will probably end up on top of many best of horror lists in 2013.

4 – You’re Next

Technically, this movie should belong to the 2011 horror movies list. But since it has been released in theaters only this year (and I’ve just watched it) I’m including it into the 2013 list. You’re Next is an awesome Home Invasion Movie filled with action, dark humor and a few twists. Forget about The Purge and go watch that one instead.

3 – Modus Anomali

2 – V/H/S 2

One of the best found footage movie ever, and one of the top horror movie sequel as well. V/H/S 2 improves on everything when compared to the first movie. Brilliant segments especially the unmissable short, “Safe Heaven” from directors Gareth Evans and Timo Tjahjanto.

1 – Resolution

The best horror movie of the year is also one of the best movie of 2013, period. Directors Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson have created what will surely become a cult classic that will be revisited for years to come. The attention to details (from the settings to the dialogue) is phenomenal and the tension and chills are some of the best recently seen on screen. There is no other movie this year that left such a deep impression on me.